By Conor Harrison
The Kerrville Daily Times
KERRVILLE, Texas — For a boss who only has been at his job for the past 15 months, Kerrville Fire Chief Robert Ojeda certainly has made an impression on the men and women who work with him.
Ojeda was voted the best boss in Kerr County in the Times “Best of Kerr County.”
“I’m humbled,” Ojeda said. “This is more about them than it is about me. You can be a good boss with good people, but you can’t be a great boss without great people.”
Born and raised in San Antonio, Ojeda, like his father before him, joined the San Antonio Fire Department in 1973.
Ojeda only had been with the department for two years when his father was killed in the line of duty while performing a high-water rescue.
“It was very difficult for my mom when I went back to work after the accident,” he said.
But he persevered and quickly moved up the chain of command from firefighter to administration to district chief. Several years ago, Ojeda retired from the San Antonio department, but retirement didn’t sit well, so he decided to look into the opening for a fire chief in Kerrville.
“I spoke with (former chief) Raymond Holloway about the job,” Ojeda said. “I was truly impressed with the department. I did my research. When I arrived, it was in very good shape. We have a group of very dedicated individuals who take pride in providing an important service. I’ve grown to love these guys for their passion, dedication and compassion for their jobs. When other people are as passionate about their jobs as I am, it impresses me.”
The feeling is mutual with the people who work for Ojeda.
“Chief Ojeda has been a breath of fresh air,” said Lt. Mark Dunning, a 15-year veteran of the KFD. “I love to come to work everyday. I am honored to call him my chief.”
Ojeda instituted several minor changes to improve the department — moves that seem to be working.
“There were no extreme changes,” Ojeda said. “I really worked on empowering my people to give them the authority to make decisions necessary to carry out our jobs. I think they really appreciate that trust. We pay them a decent salary, and expect them to make good decisions. We changed some gear, trying to provide our people with the best gear we can afford like leather boots instead of rubber and new helmets to give the department more of a sense of pride.”
Ojeda also has implemented an open door policy at each of the four stations in Kerrville to help connect with the citizens.
“We want our firefighters to get out in the streets,” he said. “Have the doors open at the station to promote an atmosphere of we are open for business.”
“Chief Ojeda has made many changes to help the department,” said firefighter Monty Johnson. “He cares about moral issues with the guys -- he’s made huge steps. It’s obvious he wants to take the department places it has never been before. It’s been an honor to serve under him.”
Ojeda also wants the department to focus on charity work within the community.
“We are a great resource for the community,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to give back.”
The KFD sponsors events such as blood drives, Muscular Dystrophy Association boot drives and adopt-a-school programs.
Ojeda’s many civila accolades include service as a board member for the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the American Red Cross of San Antonio. Ojeda also was appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to the Star of Texas Award Advisory Committee.
Copyright 2009